SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A 12-year-old girl was attacked by a man while running on a Seminole County trail, deputies said.
The arrest report said the girl was running on the Seminole-Wekiva Trail near the softball complex at about 6:30 p.m. Friday, when a man approached her and asked if she wants a running buddy.
The girl said no and kept running.
She told deputies the man kept following her, so she called her mom who was waiting for her nearby.
The girl’s mother urged her daughter to keep running, but that’s when the man, later identified as Cesar Reyes-Ortiz, grabbed the girl, deputies said.
Deputies said the girl’s mom was about 20 yards away and she witnessed part of the attack.
The mother saw enough to prove a clear description to deputies, who were able to arrest Reyes-Ortiz while he was still on the trail.
Deputies said he admitted to having a conversation with the girl, but denied trying to grab her.
Residents in the area said they use the trail often and found the incident disturbing.
“I usually feel safe on the trail during the daytime, but I would never let me kids come out here by themselves,” said Cassie Yehnert. “I wouldn’t come out here at night but I do feel safe.”
Cox Media Group
